Zinc

What It Is

Zinc is a mineral and antioxidant that the body uses in many of its processes. Zinc is necessary for the functioning of over 300 different enzymes including enzymatic reactions involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism as well as in the production of insulin and insulin transport of glucose.

Because the human body does not produce the mineral on its own, zinc must be obtained from outside sources. In diabetics, zinc levels are often low.

What It Does

Zinc helps the pancreas produce insulin, allowing the insulin to work more effectively and protecting insulin receptor cells.

When your body does not have enough zinc, the pancreas may not secrete adequate amounts of insulin, so glucose levels remain high. Additionally the insulin that is released may not work as effectively as it should. When this happens, glucose can't enter the cells and remains elevated in the blood.

Zinc aids in many functions in the body. It’s important for the immune system, reproductive system, necessary for protein synthesis and wound healing. Zinc is important for blood stability, maintains the body's alkaline balance and helps in tissue function and muscle contraction. It also aids in the digestion and metabolism of phosphorus.

Scientists at Notre Dame and at the University of Illinois discovered that zinc has an insulin-like effect on the manifestation of diabetes. They noted that insulin promotes glucose and amino acids (proteins) transport and decreases the breakdown of muscle.  "…failure to enhance glucose transport into insulin-sensitive cells is a hallmark of diabetes.”  They found that zinc enhances this glucose movement.

Zinc is just one of 22 ingredients in the Vita-Betic™ blend multi-vitamin, mineral and herb supplement, formulated to meet the dietary needs of diabetics. Click here for more information on the Vita-Betic formula, or click here for information how to receive FREE vitamins.